Health Technician Emergency Department (EMT)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Bay Pines (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Health Technician for the Emergency Department (ED). The role supports clinical and clerical processes, prepares patients for exams, records vitals, and sets up monitoring equipment in a fast-paced ED setting.

Must adapt quickly to changing priorities and maintain composure under pressure. Responsibilities include assisting with diagnostic procedures, ECGs, specimen handling, and ED patient care while adhering to security and policy requirements.

Qualifications

• EMT or Paramedic certification preferred.
• Current BLS and ALS credentials.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for examinations and set up equipment.
• Take and document vital signs and monitor patient status.
• Operate ECG and monitoring equipment and document findings.
• Administer and document basic procedures and specimens.
• Maintain accuracy in high-stress ED environment.

Skills

Multitasking

Prioritization

Calm under pressure

Job description

Summary Manages routing and non-routine assignments while demonstrating proficiency autonomously. Enhances the quality and timeliness of clinical and clerical support services provided. Duties may encompass clerical support for various processes and activities within the Emergency Department (ED). Must possess the requisite personal attributes - enthusiasm - and mindset necessary to adapt effectively to a rapidly changing environment.

Summary Manages routing and non-routine assignments while demonstrating proficiency autonomously. Enhances the quality and timeliness of clinical and clerical support services provided. Duties may encompass clerical support for various processes and activities within the Emergency Department (ED). Must possess the requisite personal attributes - enthusiasm - and mindset necessary to adapt effectively to a rapidly changing environment.
Qualifications To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 11/13/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-640-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-640-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge - skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position - and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled - in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-640-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to: Provide technical support to the Emergency Department Take critical observations (within their level of competencies) regarding among other conditions - vital signs - deformities - swelling - pallor and mental status. Perform 12 lead EKGs accurately Correctly applies EKG monitoring equipment and oxygen monitoring equipment. Oversees patients under special observation status for behavioral health emergency. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards - please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Duties

• Prepare patients for examinations Assist with diagnostic - therapeutic - and exam procedures setting up equipment - and supplies while utilizing aseptic techniques
• Obtain and document patient vital signs (blood pressure - pulse - temperature - respirations - actual weight - oxygen saturation - and postural vital signs
• Set up and use electronic thermometers - vital sign measurement equipment - including manual measurements - and pulse oximetry
• Sets up suction - and oxygen equipment - and demonstrates the ability to identify the correct oxygen delivery device
• Initiate cardiac monitoring and admit/discharges patients from the monitoring system and print rhythm strips if needed
• Prepares patients and obtains a 12-lead Electrocardiograph (ECG)
• The HT may be required to run a 30-second rhythm strip if requested or if the rhythm is abnormal Perform preventative maintenance - transmit ECG electronically - and perform cleaning of the ECG machine
• Retrieve and print patient EKGs from the CPRS and/or EKG database
• Insert angiocaths into peripheral arm veins and obtain blood for laboratory tests according to policy and procedures
• Performs venipunctures to obtain serum blood samples according to the ED and laboratory policy
• The HT will label all specimens at the patients' bedside and send laboratory specimens per order according to policy
• Performs Urinary catheter insertions and irrigations according to policy and procedure and discontinues catheters when ordered
• Performs finger stick blood glucose testing and reports - and documents results in the medical record according to Laboratory/Medical Center policies and procedures
• Work Schedule: Rotating weekends - 7:30am - 8pm Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Health Technician Emergency Department (EMT)/PD08457A Preferred Experience: Active certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Support (ALS) credentials
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology and ability to apply it effectively in fast paced clinical environment
• Demonstrated multitasking and prioritization skills
• Able to maintain composure and accuracy in high stress and chaotic situations
• Experience in pre hospital or hospital emergency department settings
• Physical capability to stand and walk for extended periods - and safely perform heavy lifting/moving of patients as required in Emergency Department operations.